Danny Masterson, widely recognized for his role in the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show,” has faced serious legal repercussions for his alleged involvement in sexual assault cases dating back more than two decades. On September 7, 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the assault of two women during the height of his career.
The sentencing came after Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo heard impactful statements from the survivors, who vividly described the enduring emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon them by Masterson’s actions. One of the survivors, identified as N. Trout, spoke powerfully about the profound impact of assault, characterizing it as a theft of one’s spirit.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón praised the courage of the survivors and underscored his commitment to ending the culture where influential figures in Hollywood feel entitled to victimize women. Despite Masterson’s sentencing, his lawyer, Shawn Holley, expressed disappointment and revealed plans to appeal the decision, citing significant evidentiary and constitutional concerns. Throughout this ordeal, Masterson has consistently maintained his innocence.
Masterson, aged 47, will become eligible for parole after serving 20 years, as per the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. His acting career featured prominent roles, including Steven Hyde in “That ’70s Show,” and later appearances in shows like “Men at Work” and “The Ranch,” from which he was dismissed in 2017 following the emergence of assault allegations.
What made this case particularly noteworthy was the alleged involvement of the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson was a member, in attempting to dissuade his accusers from coming forward. The survivors’ claims were met with strong denial from the church.
BREAKING: Hollywood celebrity Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for r*ping two woman at his home in Hollywood Hills.
Hollywood: Scum of the Earth.
Masterson, who starred in “That ’70s Show” and is a member of the Church of Scientology, allegedly… pic.twitter.com/fb8wOQU6I6
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 7, 2023
In May, Masterson was convicted of sexually assaulting two women at his Hollywood Hills residence in the early 2000s. However, the jury failed to reach a verdict on one charge related to a third woman. The retrial ultimately resulted in Masterson’s conviction on two counts of assault by force or fear.
This legal saga commenced in 2020 when Masterson was charged with three counts of assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. Two of the survivors also accused the Church of Scientology of discouraging them from reporting the assault, a claim that the church vehemently denied.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles judge sentences ‘That ’70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson to 30 years to life in prison for rapes of 2 women. pic.twitter.com/RhAJ02eI42
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 7, 2023
Despite the church’s denials, court documents revealed the survivor’s distressing experiences when attempting to report the assaults within the church. One survivor reported her assault to the church’s “ethics officer,” who responded insensitively, implying that assault could not occur within a relationship. Another survivor faced concerns about potential ostracization if she reported a fellow Scientologist to the police.